The Jeep brand has a lofty and historic heritage, one that was came to life during the darkest hours of World War II. At that time, the US military needed a vehicle which could move its way through the French countryside, German bogs and far eastern paddy fields, thus the Jeep was born.
Since the second world war ended, Jeep has been available to the general public and it is the vehicle which gave way to the rise of sport/utility vehicles now common with virtually all automakers.
Jeep itself has survived its own turbulence having been bought and sold several times over the course of its lifetime. Willys, Kaiser and American Motors were the earliest owners of the Jeep brand followed by Chrysler Corporation, DaimlerChrysler and the all new Chrysler LLC company formed in 2007 when Chrysler was separated from its German parent, the new Daimler AG.
Since 1993, the flagship vehicle in the Jeep fleet is the Grand Cherokee although the newer Commander is actually the largest Jeep model currently sold. That latter model has been a slow seller and will probably be discontinued after the current model year.
If Jeep lives long enough, customers will see a new model next year, the 2011 Grand Cherokee. Now entering its fourth generation, the Grand Cherokee will probably be the final model produced by Chrysler LLC as the company is basically bankrupt and hoping that its pending alliance with Fiat SpA works out. If Chrysler and Fiat are able to strike up a deal, then Jeep would be included in that plan. If not, a bankrupt Chrysler would be sold off in pieces with Jeep likely to go to the highest bidder.
The next generation Jeep Grand Cherokee keeps its off-road capabilities intact despite contrary rumors suggesting that the vehicle would be transformed into a crossover model. Featuring all-new Quadra-Lift air suspension system, the Grand Cherokee delivers legendary Jeep off-road capability along with the new Selec-Terrain system that allows the driver to choose the drive system that best matches on- or off-road driving conditions. New front and rear independent suspension systems deliver premium on-road handling and comfort.
The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s standard engine is an all-new flexible fuel 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine. The 3.6-liter V-6 engine is an all-new design featuring double overhead camshafts (DOHC) and a high-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block in a 60-degree configuration. This engine will offer an 11% increase in fuel economy while customers will also be able to choose a HEMI V-8 for additional power and towing capabilities.
No matter what becomes of Jeep, the brand’s legendary track record remains Chrysler’s most valuable asset, one that will likely continue whether Fiat or some other company gains control over the world’s oldest off-road brand.
Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who resides in North Carolina. Matt is a contributing writer for Andy’s Auto Sport an aftermarket supplier of quality parts including Chevy Tahoe wheels and VW Jetta rims.